Netflix and YouTube streaming produce far more CO₂ than asking ChatGPT a question, according to a new analysis of digital energy use. An hour of HD video streaming generates about 42 grams of CO₂, while a chatbot prompt is around 0.1 grams. Even AI image generation (about 1 gram per image) comes in well below binge-watching. The study also found that Zoom calls and text-to-video AI generation sit in the middle, but streaming is still the standout energy hog because it requires continuous data transfer and processing.

Researchers say the bigger problem isn’t individual behavior but the energy sources that power data centers. The tech sector produced an estimated 900 million tons of CO₂ last year, with only about 30 percent powered by renewables. If that shifted to 80 or 90 percent, emissions from all digital activities would drop significantly without people changing their habits at all.